Working in Chicago United States of America
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois and the third most populated in the country, with about 9.5 million people residing in the greater metropolitan area. Situated on Lake Michigan in the American Midwest, Chicago is one of the world’s most recognised centres for finance, commerce, communication and transportation.
Since becoming a city in 1837, Chicago, known as the ‘Windy City’, has grown into a focal point for American history and features many of the country’s greatest museums and cultural icons. The city has a continental climate where the snowy winter temperatures often dip below freezing and summers are hot and humid.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
O’Hare International Airport
One of the busiest airports in the United States and the world, O’Hare International Airport is located about 27km north-west of central Chicago. It is an important airport for many major American airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines.
Due to its distance from Downtown Chicago reaching O’Hare International Airport does take a bit longer than other major airports in the United States. However, several efficient travel options do exist, including commuter and subway trains, buses, shuttles and taxis.
Railway Station
Chicago Union Station
An iconic American transport structure, Chicago Union Station is one of the busiest rail and bus terminals in the United States. On an average work day well over 100,000 passengers pass through Union Station.
The station is a key depot for rail, subway and bus services to throughout Chicago and as far as New York and Los Angeles. Union Station also provides services to O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
Transportation
Chicago is a well planned city and a relatively simple place to get around by public transport. The city is also cheap and efficient to navigate, whether it is by bus, train or subway. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) controls the city’s trains and buses, which are considered the best way to get around Chicago for tourists. The centerpiece of the city’s public transport system is the Loop in its centre where all of its lines lead to and from. The train system is very strong and covers most areas of the city. For the areas not reached by train, Chicago’s bus system is very extensive and guides travelers to those harder-to-get-to places. Many services operate 24 hours a day in Chicago. Adding to Chicago’s public transport operation is the Metra system, a commuter train service that travels throughout the city’s suburbs.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chicago is average to high by western standards for expats. Rental prices in Chicago are particularly steep for working holidaymakers wishing to spend an extended time in the city. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (http://www.numbeo.com/), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (August 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $10.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $57.50 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $5.00 |
| Coke (330mL) | $1.50 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $0.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.00 |
| Eggs | $2.00 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $2.40 |
| Monthly pass | $100 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $1.12 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $1500 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $2500 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $30 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $300 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $3460 |
Accommodation
Chicago has no shortage of places to stay for travelers, both in the low and high end price ranges. The most popular area, and also most convenient in terms of travel, is in Downtown Chicago. Other areas worth looking at include the Loop, River North, Steeterville, South Loop and West Loop.
A few hotel options to consider include:
Budget
H.I. Chicago Hostel
Urban Holiday Lofts
Chicago Getaway Hostel
Mid-range
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
Mile North Hotel
High-end
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
InterContinental Chicago
Fairmont Chicago
Shopping
Chicago may not receive credit for its shopping in the same way as New York, but its commercial offerings are also very strong on a budget and high end scale. The shopping experience in Chicago starts with The Magnificent Mile, which is part of Michigan Avenue and includes many of the world’s most well known brands and outlets. Another great area for upmarket or designer goods is River North. For a more alternative shopping experience areas worth exploring include Lincoln Square, Bucktown or Wicker Park.
Emergency
Emergency numbers
Police / Fire / Medical emergency 911
Insurance and Healthcare
Health care in the United States consists of public and private sectors. The public sector is generally provided by the government and funded by taxes. Public health care programs in the United States include Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The system is rated highly on a global scale by the World Health Organisation, but there is a high percentage of Americans not covered by health care. The WBO also rates the quality of health facilities in the United States as excellent.
There is a higher focus on the private sector than public in the United States. This provides expats with a large number of options when choosing a health care plan in the country. Costs for private health treatment in the United State are comparable to those in Australia.
Despite a high standard of health facilities in the United States, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.